Canon Unveils Two New RF Lenses: 16mm f/2.8 and 100-400mm f/5.6-8

Canon Unveils Two New RF Lenses: 16mm f/2.8 and 100-400mm f/5.6-8

Alongside the much-anticipated EOS R3, Canon has announced the release of two new lenses for its full frame mirrorless cameras: the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM and RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM.

Both lenses are lightweight, relatively compact, and affordable, appealing to customers who are new to the system or don’t need the array of high-end glass that Canon has so far released for the RF system.

The 16mm f/2.8 prime lens offers an ultra-wide angle field of view and is similar in size to Canon’s nifty fifty, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It sits nine elements in seven groups, has seven rounded diaphragm blades, offers a minimum focusing distance of 5.11 in (13 cm), and weighs a mere 5.8 oz (165 g). It’s front filter thread is 43mm. The lens will be available in October for $299. This lens could become part of a selection of lightweight, affordable primes, but might also hint that an APS-C RF-mount camera lies somewhere in Canon’s plans for the future.

The RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM offers a versatile and popular focal range and not only does the lens include stabilization, but it is also compatible with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x tele extenders. The diaphragm has nine blades, the front filter thread is 67mm, and 12 elements sit in 9 groups. The minimum focusing distance is an impressive 2.9 in (88 cm), and the lens weighs a mere 1.4 lb (635 g). Again available in October, the 100-400mm will cost $649.

Will you be placing an order? Let us know in the comments below.

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Andy Day is a British photographer and writer living in France. He began photographing parkour in 2003 and has been doing weird things in the city and elsewhere ever since. He's addicted to climbing and owns a fairly useless dog. He has an MA in Sociology & Photography which often makes him ponder what all of this really means.

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1 Comment

Preorder the RF 16mm already! A lens like this is way too good to pass up.